By Betty Gandee

AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program designed to alleviate poverty.  It was formed by President John F. Kennedy.

VISTA members support the programs three primary objectives: 1) encouraging volunteer service at the local level, 2) generating the commitment of private sector resources, and 3) strengthening local agencies and organizations that serve low-income communities.  There are currently over 5,000 VISTA members serving in over 1,000 projects throughout the nation.

H.E. White Elementary is lucky enough to have one of those VISTA workers who is striving to make a difference in the school and the community.  Christina Belt of Bomont was appointed this fall as the schools VISTA worker and has worked hard on projects to better the lives of community members and students alike.

In October she put together a wonderful trunk or treat and brought out dozens of volunteers to put on a fun activity for the children as they attended parent teacher conference with their parents.  This past week she was hard at work gathering parents, community members, and some after school students to assist in the fall fruit basket give-away.

With the Thanksgiving school break approaching, Christina utilized the students staying for after school, giving them a chance to work first hand with an amazing community service project.  Monetary donations were collected throughout the past few weeks, with that fruit and basket supplies were purchased.  The students assembled 13 fruit baskets to be delivered to elderly individuals who lived alone throughout the community.  Christina plans to do many community service activities throughout the year and H.E. White is lucky to have her.